President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has urged young leaders across Africa to take charge of the continent’s future and build strong institutions that can drive sustainable economic growth.

Dangote made the call on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Aliko Dangote Foundation Africa Diaspora Leadership Programme held in Lagos.

Other African leaders and speakers at the event also echoed the call, stressing that Africa’s transformation depends on the vision, innovation and commitment of its young people.

The 4-day programme, themed “Building Africa at Scale,” brought together young leaders from across the continent and the diaspora for training, mentorship and networking.

Organizers said the initiative was designed to equip participants with the skills and exposure needed to lead industries, influence policy and create impact at scale.

Participants were taken through Nigeria’s industrial, financial, technological and creative sectors during visits and panel sessions in Lagos.

Dangote told the participants that Africa has the resources, talent and market to compete globally, but must invest in leadership, manufacturing and infrastructure.

He said institutions that are transparent, accountable and innovative are critical to unlocking the continent’s potential and reducing poverty.

Speakers at the programme also emphasized the need for collaboration between government, the private sector and youth to address unemployment and drive industrialization.

They noted that Africa’s young population is its greatest asset and must be supported with capital, mentorship and opportunities to lead.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation said the leadership programme will continue to expand to reach more young Africans in the diaspora and on the continent.

Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has opened its Initial Public Offering today, giving Nigerians and other eligible investors an opportunity to own shares in the refinery.

The offer involves 4.1 billion new ordinary shares priced at 525 naira per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares valued at 5,250 naira.

Company officials said the offer, which opened on Monday, is expected to raise about 2.15 trillion naira and will remain open until October 13, 2026.

Market analysts described the IPO as one of the biggest in Nigeria’s capital market history, noting that it will allow retail and institutional investors to participate in the refinery’s growth story.

Dangote Group said proceeds from the public offer will be used to expand operations, strengthen working capital and support the refinery’s role in boosting Nigeria’s energy security.

The refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, is expected to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

With the leadership programme and the refinery IPO, stakeholders said the Dangote Group is positioning both human capital and industrial assets to drive Africa’s next phase of development.